Walhalla, ND

Friday evening during the 4th of July Extravaganza weekend, Chamber Director Liann Zeller orchestrated a Musical entitled Tribute to Country music.  Minnie Pearl was the MC while the singers included Boxcar Willy, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Martina McBride. There were two comedians called 2×4 and Stick.  All of the performers were local people who love to sing and act.  This event was free and held in the park.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the show, maybe it will be done again in the future.

The Parade was great.  Takes alot of work to get a parade going.  Many entries,  all were wonderful.  I put a few on just to get an idea on how much fun the parades are.  We always end up with water balloons or squirt guns along the parade.  Kids always enjoy getting candy,  a few grownups get involved also.  Fun, Fun, Fun.

There was an important meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Walhalla Inn.   It was called Back to North Dakota:  Coming Full Circle.  Guest speaker was Patti Knobbe,  Norfolk Nebraska Area Recruiters.  I was invited to the meeting to see what it was all about.  Patti spoke on how to attract graduates back to the community that raised them.  People from the whole tri-county attended the meeting.  I even got my picture taken with Lynette and Patti!!

       The Gorge Art Gallery members decided during the Christmas season they would donate their time, talents and supplies for a free art class to all Walhalla Children. Nineteen students took part in creating their own ginger bread houses.  Lots of smiles, giggles, and laughter were heard all afternoon at the Gorge Art Gallery.  Thanks to all the members,of the gallery, the Walhalla Chamber, and the Degree of Honor for donating resources for the class.

High school sweethearts, and families stood in line and waited as the doors opened to the Walla Theatre in 1950, to enjoy cinema at it’s finest. If the walls of the Walla Theatre could talk, the secrets of first dates, kisses and proposals would make the headlines. The smell of popcorn filled the theater until 1982 when the Walla Theater closed. Since 1982 the community has had the vision and goal to revitalize the Theatre, in 2006 the owners have donated the building to the community. The communities’ plans are to renovate the theater into a performing arts’ theater and cinema. Providing the arts in a rural community contributes to a well round education, cultural experience and family entertainment we want to offer our residents, especially the youth. Plans are to host year round events encompassing visual, fine, and performing arts, and cinemas.

The Walhalla Public School does not have a stage, making it difficult for the school to host performing arts’ events and lyceums. The renovation of the Theatre will give the school and community this opportunity.

Renovations consist of repairing the roof, expanding the stage area to accommodate large productions, add dressing rooms, update the plumbing, electrical, sound, and cosmetic improvements. Dr. Tom Isern from the North Dakota State University has partnered with NDSU Extension Center for  Community Vitatity and will help with the project and prepare the application for the Walla Theatre to be placed on the National Register of Historical Places. This project will benefit all area residents.

 The Gorge Arts and Heritage Council have taken the leadership in this project, and will continue to update the community on the progress.  If anyone would like to make a donation to the Walla Theatre Renovation Fund contact the Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce.

The beautification committee was formed after members of the committee gained knowledge from attending study circles and leadership plenty programs. The beautification committee members wanted all children from Walhalla to be safe during Halloween and to experience a Halloween party.  The members raised the funds and donated their time to decorate, make and serve all the food and gave prizes to every child that attended.  There are 159 children in grades K-6 at Walhalla school, 129 children attended the free Halloween party.   A job well done!   Thanks Walhalla Beautification Committee.